Nanaimo school district draft strategic plan open for comment

Rachelle Stein-Wotten

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder

Feedback on the four goals of Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools’ draft strategic plan can be submitted until Nov. 24.

A total of nine objectives fall under four goals: student success, student and staff safety and wellbeing, environmental stewardship and sustainability and truth and reconciliation.

Superintendent Scott Saywell said at the Oct. 25 board of trustees meeting that the draft plan builds on the 2019-23 strategic plan and includes “fresh objectives.”

The objectives include increasing literacy and numeracy rates for students, increasing graduation rates for Indigenous students and students with disabilities and diverse abilities, increasing the number of students and staff who develop tools to care for their mental health and accelerating seismic upgrades and ensuring capacity in schools.

According to the engagement plan, NLPS staff will be meeting with student leaders at secondary schools, Indigenous education partners, school administrators and union representatives.

A virtual open house is scheduled for Nov. 9 from 5 to 6 p.m. The link as well as plan are available on the district website, www.sd68.bc.ca/board/draft-strategic-plan-october-2023/.

Feedback can also be sent via a ThoughtExchange online discussion or email to consultation@sd68.bc.ca. The introduction to the ThoughtExchange discussion notes the purpose of the engagement is to receive feedback on how each proposed goal and objective is achieved rather than suggesting new ones.

Henry Goyert

1924-2022

Long time Gabriola resident Henry Goyert passed away in Victoria on May 6th at 97. Born in Berlin in 1924, he came to Canada in 1952 where he and his family eventually made their home in Kitimat BC. He retired to Gabriola in 1980 after spending summers there in the house he and his wife Dorothy built. Henry lived a long and fascinating life. He will be remembered by those who knew him as a gracious, fun-loving gentleman who loved Gabriola Island. He was a consummate story teller and looked for fun in everything he did. Although dementia diminished him in the last few years the essence of his personality and sense of humour stayed with him.

He is survived by his two sons, Peter (Jill) and Thomas (Cindy), his long-time close friend and partner Ann, grandchildren Josh, Stephanie and Michael as well as three great grandchildren, Jack, Sam and Zoe. He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy and grandson Ben.